Usman Khawaja Calls Out Media And Ex-Players Over Double Standards

Usman Khawaja called out the media and former players for double standards and racial discrimination during an emotional retirement press conference.

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed the Sydney Ashes Test will be his final international appearance. The fifth and final match takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old made the announcement on Friday, two days before the Test.

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During the press interaction, Khawaja criticised former players and sections of the media for inconsistent standards. He referred to events from the opening Ashes Test at Perth Stadium. Khawaja suffered a back spasm during that match and could not open in the second innings. Travis Head filled the opening role.

Several ex-cricketers questioned Khawaja’s commitment and highlighted his pre-match golf session. Khawaja also highlighted racial stereotypes faced by minority players. He is Australia’s first Pakistan-born Muslim Test cricketer.

“When I did my back, I had back spasms, it was something I couldn’t control. The way the media and the past players came out and attacked me. I copped it for about five days straight. Once the racial stereotypes came in, of me being lazy, it was things I’ve dealt with my whole life. Pakistani, West Indian, and coloured players. We’re selfish, we only care about ourselves, we don’t care about the team, we don’t train hard enough,” Khawaja told reporters.

“I just thought the media and old players and everyone else had moved past them, but we obviously haven’t moved past them. All these things came back and made me realise we’re not quite there. I can give you a countless number of guys who have played golf the day before and been injured, and you guys (media) haven’t said a thing. I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners (beer) the night before, then got injured, and no one’s said a word. That’s alright, they’re just being Aussie larrikins, just being lads,” he added.

Concerns Over Racial And Religious Discrimination

Usman Khawaja then added that such scrutiny reflects deeper issues within the sport. He said that racial and religious bias remains a concern in cricket. Khawaja hopes the next generation faces fairer judgment.

“When I get injured, everyone went at my credibility and who I am as a person. Normally, when someone gets injured, you feel sorry for them as a person. ‘Poor Josh Hazlewood’ or ‘poor Nathan Lyon’. We feel sorry for them and we don’t attack what happened to them,” he said.

“I know I’m here talking about topics and people will say, ‘Uzzie’s here, he’s playing the race card again’. I know people are trying to nail me. But don’t gaslight me. Where we are at today, Islamophobia is still very rife. I speak about it. I didn’t want to talk about this, but I just want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” Khawaja added.

The 39-year-old has scored over 6,000 Test runs across 87 matches for Australia. His record includes 16 centuries.